Recovering common ground : landscape architecture as a tool for post-conflict recovery and spatial reconciliation in divided cities

Abstract: The following chapters examine landscape architecture which engages in contested territories with an emphasis on the way in which landscape architecture can engage with the issues of divided cities or landscapes with similar social, cultural and physical properties. The project focuses specifically on the potential landscape architecture has for promoting or aiding in the reconciliation process of these areas, by examining the following questions. How can landscape architecture be used to benefit the peace building process of divided cities and landscapes? How can landscape architecture be used in the process of promoting spatial reconciliation in the case of Belfast? The investigation begins with a description of the background to the project in Chapter 1, which functions as a brief introduction to the urban phenomena that is divided cities. It then goes on to introduce the different methods and data employed in order to answer the research questions in Chapter 2. After introducing the problem and the methodology, a global overview of divided cities is performed in Chapter 3. This chapter is divided into two sections. The first describes the divided city in general terms of shared historical and cultural patterns leading up to the state of ‘ethnic apartheid’ prevalent in this type of city. A summary of these factors serves as a brief introduction to the problem. The second part of this chapter is an examination of the role landscape architecture has or can play in providing spatial reconciliation in Berlin, Cyprus, Lebanon and Israel as well as other projects in Northern Ireland and Belfast. This investigation is based on literature and interviews with academics and professionals working in Belfast, presenting reflections from two perspectives on the problems and potentials for working with landscape architecture and public space in divided cities. After presenting the wider context the focus is narrowed down in Chapter 4. This section describes the nature of the division in Belfast and the project area. A historical background of the events leading up to division is followed by descriptions of the present day state. This description is conducted from a compilation of personal observations, reviewed literature, maps and statistical data. In the fifth chapter, the project presents and discusses the result of the design process. This is done in the form of a proposal for a new public space in North Belfast which relates to the key findings of the investigations into the role of landscape architecture in other divided cities as well as the local context. This proposal presents conceptual ideas and visions for development of an interface area in North Belfast chosen from a particular set of perquisites. The final chapter, chapter 6, serves as a conclusion for the research questions, a reflection on the potentials and obstacles for landscape architecture in divided cities and a general discussion of the project.